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Definition
Surgery to modify the size or shape of your breasts
Parts of the Body Involved
Breasts
Reasons for Procedure
Breast augmentation may be performed for cosmetic reasons, to increase breast size, balance breast size symmetrically, improve breast shape and/or contour, or to reconstruct a breast that has been been injured or undergone surgery.
Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure
Because this is an elective surgery, if you have any chronic illness or you are in poor health for any reason, you should not undergo this procedure.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
You may be asked to provide the surgeon with a picture of a woman whose breasts you want yours to resemble. Or, you may be asked to look through an album of breast sizes and shapes to help the surgeon understand the outcome you desire.
Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Physical exam including careful breast exam
- Blood tests to check on your general health and bodys ability to clot
- EKG to verify that your heart is strong enough to withstand anesthesia and the stress of surgery
- Mammogram
- Take "before" pictures
In the days leading up to your procedure:
The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight.You may be asked to shower the morning of your procedure, and you may be given special antibacterial soap to use.Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.Arrange for help at home after returning from the hospital. During Procedure IV fluids, sedation medication, and anesthesia will be administered. AnesthesiaGeneral or local anesthesia will be used depending on the procedure. Description of the ProcedureThe surgeon cuts an opening either underneath your breast, alongside the areola (pigmented area around the nipple), or in your underarm. A pouch containing a gel or saline solution, called an implant or prosthesis, is slipped through this opening and into your breast, either between the skin and the muscle, or underneath the muscle. The incision is closed with stitches and bandaged. The same procedure may be repeated for the other breast. Side View of Breast Implantation 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. After ProcedureYou'll wear a particular bra or bandage using an elastic pressure bandage to support your breasts and decrease the chance of bleeding. How Long Will It Take?The procedure generally takes 1 to 2 hours.
Will It Hurt?Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You'll have some bruising and tenderness of the breasts for several weeks after surgery. Possible ComplicationsInfectionBleedingNerve damage, resulting in numbness of the breasts, nipples, and/or areolasAbnormal scarringPainful and/or restricted arm and shoulder motionUneven appearance to breasts, either due to position or sizeIf silicone implants are used, the implant may harden, rupture, or leak Some studies have suggested that silicone implants can cause autoimmune reactions in susceptible people, resulting in arthritis , lupus , or scleroderma Presence of an implant may make cancer detection (through mammogram and/or self-exam) more difficult Average Hospital Stay0-1 days Postoperative CareYou may wish to apply ice packs to your breasts to decrease swelling and pain. You may be given a prescription for pain medication, or advised to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Your doctor will advise you regarding return to exercise. OutcomeYour breasts should be larger, and should reflect the size, shape, and symmetry that you desired. Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following OccursRedness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision siteNausea and/or vomiting that you can't control with the medications you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospitalSigns of infection, including fever and chillsCough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomitingYour implants grow hard or you believe that they are leakingYou develop joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptomsPain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legsSudden shortness of breath or chest pain RESOURCES:
American Society of Plastic Surgeonshttp://www.plasticsurgery.org Breastimplantinfo.orghttp://www.breastimplantinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeryhttp://www.plasticsurgery.ca Women's Health Mattershttp://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm References: Breast augmentation. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website. Available at: http://surgery.org/public/procedures-breastaug.php . Accessed October 14, 2005. Sabiston DC Jr. Textbook of Surgery . 17th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co.; 2004. Sabiston DC Jr. Textbook of Surgery . 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co.; 1997. Last reviewed October 2007 by Ronald Nath, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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